Publication Date:
2011-08-17
Description:
A microparticle accelerator has been devised for micrometeoroid impact and cratering simulation; the device produces high-velocity (0.5-15 km/sec), micrometer-sized projectiles of any cohesive material. In the source, an electrodynamic levitator, single particles are charged by ion bombardment in high vacuum. The vertical accelerator has four drift tubes, each initially at a high negative voltage. After injection of the projectile, each tube is grounded in turn at a time determined by the voltage and charge/mass ratio to give four acceleration stages with a total voltage equivalent to about 1.7 MV.
Keywords:
GROUND SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND FACILITIES (SPACE)
Type:
Review of Scientific Instruments; 49; Jan. 197
Format:
text
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